'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Chicago Cubs signed 37-year-old pitcher Calen Thielbar from free agency on Tuesday, leaving fans disappointed and wanting more from the front office.
The former Minnesota Twins pitcher's signing comes in the midst of the club being linked to several big names like Pete Alonso and Kyle Tucker. While Thielbar's addition adds depth to the bullpen, fans took to social media to urge the team to sign a big name:
"That's not Pete Alonso," one tweeted.
"Announce Kyle Tucker extension," added another.
Trending
While some fans urged the Chicago front office to sign Alonso and Tucker, others blasted them for not spending big in a highly competitive market:
"Cubs shopping at the dollar store again," wrote @Joe_MLB_MAN on X.
"No clue who that is bud," added @AnthonyLolacon0.
"Wow killing it in FA," wrote @denny_saylor sarcastically.
Caleb Thielbar was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2009 MLB Draft but was released at the end of the 2010 season. He signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2011 and made his major league debut in 2013 before being DFAd that year. Thielbar went on to play in the minors for several organizations before returning for his second stint with the Twins in 2019.
Thielbar's signing brings some much-needed depth and experience into the Chicago Cubs bullpen, but fans are still waiting for them to add an elite closer. Having traded for Kyle Tucker in exchange for two infielders and a pitcher, they have been urged to extend the outfielder who has a year left in his contract.
Having lost Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees in December, they already have the funds for a long-term contract with a star player. it remains to be seen where they will choose to allocate those funds,
Chicago Cubs have initiated talks with Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki
The Chicago Cubs have a good history of signing Japanese talent and providing them with an environment to thrive in the MLB.
RHP Roki Sasaki is the newest talent to make the move across the Pacific, and the Cubs have already initiated talks with him. In a Zoom interview with reporters, Sasaki's agent Joel Wolfe said:
"He is definitely driving the ship and calling the shots. He is a guy that wants to be great. He’s not coming here just to be rich or to get a huge contract."
Along with the Chicago Cubs, several other teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets and Rangers have had meetings with Sasaki. Chicago is among the teams who have made it past the first hurdle as the Japanese ace narrows down his choices among the suitors.
